What Motivates You? Here Are A Few Things That Motivate Me…
Motivation is to me perhaps one of the most important and meaningful 10 letter words. What motivates you? Clearly it means something different to everyone. I realize that the answer can be very personal to some people. I hope they will feel comfortable sharing it with the readers of this blog.
Everyone is motivated by something! That much I am sure!
When I think about what motivates me, a number of things come to mind in NO particular order:
- Trying to make a difference each and every day
- A fear of failing
- Accomplishing business and personal goals
- Providing for my family
- Not letting people close to me down
- Giving something back to the industry or helping people
Think about it for a minute or two.
What motivates you?
I look forward to reading your comments.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am
One of the biggest things that motivated me was making my father proud! He always smiled when i told him about my work and my accomplishments. He didn’t really understand what market research was, but he was always excited to hear about everything going on with my job!
February 8th, 2008 at 10:55 am
This is a great topic and those are excellent motivators. At the risk of “exposing” myself to others…the following motivates me:
* Overcoming Fear…Fear of looking stupid, Fear of failing, Fear of letting people down. I don’t like to fail and will do just about anything to avoid it.
* Maintaining relationships…(family, coworkers, friends & associates, etc.) You have to see these people every day of your life, why not try to make it a positive experience.
* A drive to be the best at anything I do. I’m extremely competitive and always want to be near the top of the pile.
* Constant Improvement…The idea that “the best is yet to come”.
* I coach a lot of youth soccer. I often tell them that all they have to do in soccer and in life (soccer is a metaphor for life) is “make a positive difference”…on the field, in a game, in school, with their friends, whatever. All you can hope for is to “Make a positive difference.”
* Along with that is the motivator to always “try my hardest.” I can’t always be at “my best”, but I can always try my hardest.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Setting an example for my daughters always was a good motivating factor. I was a single parent and their father was not in their lives. I wanted them to be strong, self sufficient women, who could take care of themselves if they had to. I wanted them to be proud of me and set a good example.
Now that they are grown, I am doing it for my own personal satisfaction. I love the feeliong of success and I love what it brings to my life. I want to be the best I can be. I also want the respect of the people around me that I respect, in my personal life and in the industry I work in.
For me it’s all about setting goals and working towards them no matter how hard it gets.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I find certain quotes to be a wonderful source of motivation each and every day. Three of my favorites (and I have many):
“Be well, do good work, keep in touch” - Garrison Keillor
“Love thy neighbour as thyself”
“Live everyday as if it were your last, as someday you surely will be right”
February 8th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I find that my biggest motivation is the opportunity to learn something new. In my work, my favorite projects have always been those where I’ve been able to learn about a new business or research approach - or better yet - have to figure out how to solve a client’s problem becuase no one has ever done it before.
February 10th, 2008 at 10:41 am
What motivates me is to learn more about the business I am in each day. I am motivated to be respected by colleagues and clients for the work I do. I am motivated to be as successful as I can.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
The things that motivate me depends on where I am and what is the goal or intention as to why I am there.
When I am at Work - I am motivated by the feeling of accomplishment having a goal, working as a team towards it and of course achieving it.
When I am with Friends - Full enjoyment; having fun and just being myself. No need to pretend to be more than I am because these people know me and appreciate ME.
When I am with family - Love, Respect and Trust. This is the glue that will never let us part (even in death).
Singing, Dancing, Smiling and Laughing everywhere I go helps me to motivate others.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I want to make a difference. You cannot do that without going to extra-ordinary lengths and taking the risks associated with blazing new trails.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I so agree with what everyone has written - thank you for sharing. My simple truth is - I feel better about myself when I’m motivated or inspired. If my focus can be trying to make a difference, it keeps me from spiraling into various icky’s (politics, paranoia, that stuff!). Here’s one I received from a friend this weekend on making a difference - I’ll add the web link here if it works:
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
Try it!
February 11th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
To push the boundaries, challenge the norm or status quo, to see things in a new light or say/teach something with new insights…….this is what does and always has motivated me……even in childhood. Caused alot of problems at times but I have learned quite a bit and laughed every day…..often at myself!
February 12th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I read a lot. Often reading inspires me to action. I think about whom I can share an article with or I read motivational material that actually motivates me! I get a few free newsletters and coincidentally today’s topic in http://www.salescaffeine.com had to do with motivation. So I feel compelled to share a portion of the article and you can visit the website for the rest…
When sales are slow, big companies “cut” rather than “invest.” They say, “I’ll advertise after the recovery, I’ll market after the recovery, I’ll train more after the recovery” — wondering all the while why things aren’t improving, as they whip their salespeople.
They “react” rather than “proact.” Sales drop even further, morale drops, and key people quit. And as a result, recovery takes longer.
As a salesperson, here’s what to do. Look at who you are AND how you engage:
• Help your customers. If your business is down, it means that others are down. Give them business-building ideas or sales leads. Send an idea a week. They will remember your help after they recover.
I find material like this motivates me and gives me ideas that set me into action. It helps change up my routine which also inspires and motivates me. When your in a rut or feeling down, I believe reading something positive can help.
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February 12th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
My largest motivation has been my 12 year old daughter. I’ve been a single mom most of her life and I’ve always aspired to do better at every job I’ve had and to find balance between family life and my career. I want her to realize that anyone can accomplish their dreams if they work hard enough and want it bad enough even through life’s ups and downs. The thought of her not ever wanting or needing anything has always kept me pushing harder every day.
February 12th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
What motivates me? A challenge with a new job. I always want to be the best I can be at something so from that I usually achieve a top producer. Having a clean home and in order motivates me. If there is clutter, I cannot function as well. I love being prepared for the next day. Jump up and get right into it. I truly love helping others naturally. Reminding my children motivates me to make sure I am keep them on the right path. Seeing them excel shows me I am doing the right thing. I am always planning something fun to do with my family and friends. I am motivated to always finding fabulous restaurants. Having a party totally motivates me to make sure everyone has a awesome time. If you ever been to my Pog Mo Thon Bash you know what I mean. It is a lot of work I really don’t even notice how much work it is. I love it!! Staying positive and looking on the bright side. ROCK ON TO YOU ALL!!! Don’t look back just do it!!